CCNP Infrastructure Practice Question
A network engineer is implementing VXLAN on a Cisco Nexus switch. The engineer wants to ensure that the VXLAN tunnel endpoint (VTEP) can forward traffic between VLANs by mapping them to VNIs. Which component is responsible for the mapping of VLANs to VNIs on the VTEP?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse the MAC address table or ARP table with the VLAN-to-VNI mapping, which is a separate configuration on the VTEP.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI) to VLAN mapping table
In VXLAN, each VLAN that needs to be extended across the overlay is mapped to a unique VNI. This mapping is configured on the VTEP, typically in a VLAN-to-VNI mapping table. When a frame from a VLAN enters the VTEP, the switch uses this mapping to determine the VNI and encapsulates the frame accordingly. Therefore, the VNI-to-VLAN mapping table is the component responsible for this function.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI) to VLAN mapping table
Why this is correct
On a VTEP, the mapping of VLANs to VNIs is configured in the VNI-to-VLAN mapping table. When a frame enters an access port on a VLAN, the VTEP looks up the corresponding VNI and encapsulates the frame with a VXLAN header containing that VNI. This mapping is essential for bridging VLANs across the VXLAN overlay. Thus, this component is responsible for the mapping.
- ✗
The MAC address table
Why it's wrong here
The MAC address table on a switch maps MAC addresses to ports, not VLANs to VNIs. While the MAC address table is used in VXLAN for forwarding decisions within a VNI, it does not perform the VLAN-to-VNI mapping. Therefore, this option is not correct.
- ✗
The ARP table
Why it's wrong here
The ARP table maps IP addresses to MAC addresses. It does not map VLANs to VNIs. In VXLAN, ARP suppression may use the ARP table, but the mapping of VLANs to VNIs is a separate configuration. Thus, this option is incorrect.
- ✗
The underlay routing protocol
Why it's wrong here
The underlay routing protocol, such as OSPF or BGP, provides IP reachability between VTEPs. It does not perform VLAN-to-VNI mapping. The mapping is a function of the VXLAN overlay configuration on the VTEP itself. Therefore, this option is incorrect for the scenario.
Visual reference
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.